"Everyone noticed him and came up to talk to him, which was really cool," said Chris of Colton, who had trained with his father for just three days before shooting the National Defense Match. "If you're going to lose to anyone, you might as well lose to your own son. We're very proud of him."

In addition to Colton, three other juniors shot the match including fellow 14 year-old competitors Remington Judd, Phoenix Hutchins, and Duncan Stewart. All four young men came to the match to compete with a family member, reinforcing the idea that competitive shooting can be a family activity.

Like Colton, Duncan competed alongside his father, Zeb Stewart, who was also a Range Officer. Remington shot the match with his older brother, Nathan, and Phoenix competed with his grandfather, Dick Jones.

"I designed the match after shooting with my sons," Match Director Trey Tuggle told the competitors. "It's something that everyone can do, from beginners to people who have been competing for years."

We'll have more photos, videos, and recap of competitors from the National Defense Match over the next week, so keep checking back!